Marvelous Disney Podcast: Sandman Audio, Black Widow Delays, and MCU Diversity

Sandman Audio Adaptation

• 🎧 Audible is releasing the first of its Sandman audio adaptations on July 15th, featuring Neil Gaiman as narrator.
• ⏳ This series will go back to the original notes from 30 years ago, unlike the present-day Netflix series.
• ⚡ James McAvoy voices the Lord of Dreams, Morpheus, in the audio drama, with an 11-hour runtime planned.

Black Widow Release and MCU Delays

• 🎬 The release of Marvel's Black Widow has been pushed back to November 6th due to COVID-19 concerns.
• ⚠️ Disney is hesitant to release films if major markets like New York and Los Angeles cannot show them, citing fiscal responsibility to investors.
• 🔄 The delay impacts the MCU timeline, potentially creating a two-year gap between films if subsequent releases are also postponed.
• ✈️ Production is resuming for Shang-Chi and The Legend of the Ten Rings and Avatar 2-5 with strict quarantine and testing protocols.

Black Widow's Ending and Character Legacy

• 💔 Director Cate Shortland and Scarlett Johansson discuss Natasha Romanoff's ending, stating she wouldn't have wanted a funeral due to her private nature.
• 🌟 The film is intended to provide a fitting ending for Natasha, potentially setting up a new Black Widow character.
• 🚀 Scarlett Johansson sees Florence Pugh's character as a successor, handing off the baton for another female storyline in the MCU.

Diversity and Representation in Marvel

• ✊ Anthony Mackie voices concerns about Marvel's lack of diversity behind the camera, noting that all producers, directors, and crew on his seven Marvel movies have been white.
• 🎯 He advocates for hiring the best person for the job, regardless of race, to build a new generation of diverse filmmakers.
• 🗣️ Ray Fisher accuses Joss Whedon of unprofessional behavior on the Justice League set, with secondhand accounts suggesting Whedon was dismissive of the original work.

DC Universe and Studio Meddling

• 🎬 The discussion draws parallels between the Justice League reshoots and Sony meddling with Spider-Man 3, highlighting tonal differences between DC's darker approach and Marvel's humor.
• 🤔 The upcoming Snyder Cut of Justice League is anticipated as a comparison to the theatrical release, with hopes it satisfies DC fans.
• 🔮 The future direction of the DC Universe after Wonder Woman 84 remains uncertain, with questions about tone and Zack Snyder's involvement.

Quibi, Comic-Con, and Marvel News

• 📉 Quibi, a short-form mobile entertainment platform, has struggled due to launching during the COVID-19 pandemic, missing its target audience.
• 🏠 Comic-Con is going virtual this year, with Marvel announcing panels for Marvel 616, Marvel HQ, and Marvel Comics.
• 💥 News includes the return of the Green Goblin to Spider-Man and discussions about Werewolf by Night and Man-Wolf characters.

Infinity Stones and Guardians of the Galaxy

• ❓ Fans question the status of the Infinity Stones after Endgame, with Marvel clarifying they are destroyed after being returned to their timelines.
• 🎶 Kevin Bacon discusses Footloose being referenced in Guardians of the Galaxy, noting the impact of the dance-off saving the universe.
• ✂️ James Gunn reveals a joke cut from Guardians of the Galaxy by Disney involving Drax wanting to kill many people in a place of outlaws.

WandaVision and Disney+ Content

• 📺 WandaVision is rumored to have an extended season with nine or ten episodes, exceeding the typical six to eight for Disney+ shows.
• 🌟 Companion series for Disney+ shows like WandaVision and Falcon and the Winter Soldier are desired, similar to The Mandalorian's behind-the-scenes content.